Today, I ventured out in the snow toward the Kremlin in Kazan. The main difference between this Kremlin and the Moscow Kremlin is its construction of a white sandstone rather than red brick. Inside is the Qolşärif Mosque (pronunciation sounds like to “Cool-Sheriff” Mosque). It is of recent construction (2005) and one of the largest located on the European continent.
This was my first visit inside a Mosque. The design of a Mosque ensures that all worshippers are facing the direction of Mecca while praying. Beyond that, I was not sure what to expect. Inside, their main prayer room, there are no seats. Prayers are done while standing and what appeared to be a special kneeling ritual. However, I did anticipate some sort of barrier to segregate gender. My impression was that gender segregation was a strict, even aggressive element within Mosques. In this Mosque the men pray in the front and the women in the back. This changed my perception. While I still don’t understand the overall issue, I am glad my perception is more accurate. What it shows is that Islam, like other religions, has within it a spectrum of ideology leaning from liberal to conservative. Therefore, it is senseless to be quick in making broad generalizations regarding the overall religion based on just a part of that spectrum.
Exterior Wall of Kazan Kremlin
Qolşärif Mosque
// Oliver – Day 69 – Russia